Mosquito-Borne Virus Found In Michiganders Who Traveled To Caribbean

LANSING (AP) – Michigan authorities say that two state residents became infected with a new mosquito-borne virus while traveling in the Caribbean.

The Detroit News reports that the Michigan Department of Community Health says the people contracted chikungunya.

The disease has broken out in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. It first appeared in the Americas in the Caribbean last year. The virus causes fever and joint pain and generally isn’t life-threatening.

The department says the travelers were from Midland and Wexford counties.

Henry Ford Hospital infectious diseases chief Dr. Marcus Zervos says people who become infected start showing flu-like symptoms such as a rash and fever after three to seven days.